Alan Prahl column: Big read teaches children about money

Annually, the Money Smart Week Fox Cities collaborating organizations sponsor a fun reading event for children called "The Big Read."

This year The Big Read will be held on April 27 featuring the children's book "A Dollar for Penny."

The story is about Penny opening a lemonade stand. She learns more about math and being an entrepreneur when she sells lemonade. She sells enough lemonade to buy a birthday card for her mom.

Every child who is registered and attends will receive a free copy of the book. An adult must attend with their child. This program is designed for children ages 8 and younger. There will be story time, plus activities and songs.

The following area libraries are hosting the Big Read: Appleton Public Library, Black Creek Public Library, Hortonville Public Library, Kaukauna Public Library, Menasha Public Library, Neenah Public Library and Seymour Public Library. The starting times and available seating vary by location.

To register for The Big Read, visit http://outagamie.uwex.edu/the-big-read and click on the link to the library where you want to participate. If you have questions regarding your registration, contact the Outagamie County UW-Extension at 920-832-5123.

It is good to begin discussing money when children are young. Among other things, children need to learn what can be done with money, that it is very easy to spend and that it is important to save money regularly. Children need age-appropriate ways to learn.

The Big Read makes reading and learning about numbers fun. Parents also can encourage their children to think of ways to work and earn money.

Many adults have fond memories of earning money by doing chores around the home, setting up their own lemonade stand, or through other creative ways. After participating in The Big Read, you can share some of the ways you made money when you were a child. Use your discretion before sharing really creative ideas, like trying to refill toothpaste tubes or painting your parent's house without permission. Be careful what ideas you give them.

While you are at the library, see if you can check out audiobooks to play in your car or home. Many of us spend hours in the car on errands and traveling. A good story on an audio book can be a great driving companion and help instill a love for reading.

Money Smart Week is April 20-27. For a list of other Money Smart Week activities, visit www.moneysmartweek.org.

- Alan Prahl is with FISC, a nonprofit program of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin. He can be reached at aprahl@fisc-cccs.org.